BA single honours Music Production with foundation year 2018/19

Year of entry

Great news!

We’re building a new £12m arts facility on our main campus in Canterbury, equipped with the latest technology and bespoke learning spaces for our arts and humanities students. We’re planning to open the arts building in September 2018, with building work now well underway.

Subject to validation

Subject to validation means the details of this course are in the process of being finalised by the University. This content of this course is being reviewed; however, this is not guaranteed and should the course not go ahead, the University will contact you and those offered a place will be assisted in finding an alternative course either at Canterbury Christ Church University or another institution.

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Clearing places available

A number of our degrees are also offered with an additional foundation year (Year 0). Whether you are a school-leaver or someone considering returning to study but don’t have the entry requirements for your chosen subject, a foundation year course may be just what you’re looking for.

A foundation year is the first year of a four year programme which:

provides an introduction not only to study at University but also to your chosen subject

offers you a highly supportive environment where you can develop the self-confidence, knowledge, skills and understanding for further study.

Ethan Maltby , Associate Tutor, has written shows for stage that have toured UK and European theatres as well as writing music for both the FA and UEFA cup finals.

This programme is designed for students with a background in music technology and sound recording, and with an interest in the application of their creative skills for the commercial production of music. Music Production students have the opportunity to compose and produce music using the specialist facilities of the new Arts building which will include industry standard recording studios, mixing suites and Apple Mac as well as rooms equipped for rehearsals and a dedicated music venue.

Within the course students develop their use of Apple’s Logic along with a range of other industry standard music software packages, in the production of music to a commercial standard. Students are taught by tutors with a professional level of expertise and a wide range of industry experience. In addition, students can work with our in-house record label C3U Records (www.c3urecords.com).

Steve Lamacq (6 Music Recommends) recently said of one of our members of staff that his recent album with his band The Chap was "One of my albums of the year.”

The course will be housed in the Univesity’s new Arts building, with specialist facilities including performance and practice rooms, recording studios and Apple Mac computer music suites (equipped with Logic, Ableton Live, Waves and Izotope plugins and East West samples).

"Studying at CCCU was a very positive experience for me that has thoroughly developed my production and soft skills. The tutors are exceptionally talented and will always endeavour to push students to their full academic and practical potential. It is because of this that I am now a self-employed music producer and audio engineer, with projects in both the studio and live environment."

The programme begins with a broadly-based first year which introduces the main areas of study that are to be further developed in the second and third years. All students take modules in sound production, audio sequencing and recording, and sampling and creative composition. In addition you will take an option in either Music Technology and Culture or Sound Structure in semester one, and an option in either Music Industry Fundamentals or Songwriting in semester 2.

In Years 2 and 3, you develop further knowledge and skills in advanced recording and production techniques, alongside a core module in Creative Sound Design in year 2.

In both Years 2 and 3, there are a range of modules to choose from in areas such as in Songwriting, Live Sound and Composition for Media and Film. In the third year all students also have the opportunity to undertake an Independent Production Project on an area of special interest.

Foundation Year Zero

Students on all of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities Foundation Year courses will undertake 80 credits of generic core modules introducing them to study in the arts and humanities and university level skills, namely:

Academic Writing and Study Skills

Personal and Career Development

Understanding Arts and Humanities

Being Human: an Introduction to the Humanities

In addition you will be offered two 20 credit optional modules, one to be studied in each semester. The full list of optional modules is as follows and you will be placed onto the modules which most effectively complement your degree pathway choice and, where applicable, your study interests:

Dangerous Ideas

Foundation English Language and Communication

Foundation English Literature

Foundation Media and Communications

Analysing British Cinema

Historical Foundations

America and the World (subject to validation)

Music and Performing Arts in Context

The Languages and Theory of Music

Core modules

Year 1

Sound Production 1A (studio Recording)

This module provides students with a grounding in studio recording techniques. Complimenting the software-based sequencing and mix emphasis of Audio Sequencing and Recording, Sound Production 1A focuses specifically on studio recording practice, including studio set up, microphone technique, use of a mixing desk, and signal processing, as well as relevant theoretical principles related to acoustics and electronics.

Sound Production 1B (studio Production)

This module provides students with a further grounding in studio recording, processing and mixing techniques. Sound Production 1B expands on techniques discussed in Sound Production 1A and the software-based sequencing and mix emphasis of Audio Sequencing and Recording. The main focus is on microphone technique, use of a mixing desk, audio routing and signal processing, as well as software based effecting and mixing.

Audio Sequencing and Recording

This module is designed to provide you with a grounding in the applications and techniques of MIDI and audio sequencing. The module will focus on commercial music recording and production methods and will relate, for example, to the practical production of demo-format recordings required for Songwriting. Through in-class exercises and project work you will develop a practical ability in the use of sequencing software and the skills to produce stereo masters that combine MIDI and audio sources in an effective and creative way.

Year 2

Sound Production 2A (advanced recording and production techniques)

This module aims to provide comprehensive coverage of the theory and practice of multitrack studio recording and production. You will have the opportunity to gain an understanding of the scientific principles that underpin sound production and develop the skills to use a recording studio environment, offering an analysis of equipment, technique and procedure.

Sound Production 2B (advanced recording and production techniques)

Building on Sound Production 2A this module aims to continue to provide comprehensive and analytical coverage of the theory and practice of multitrack studio recording and production. You will have the opportunity to expand further on your understanding of the scientific principles that underpin sound production and develop the skills to use a recording studio environment, offering an analysis of equipment, technique and procedure. Pre- and post-production processes are included in the practice of multitrack recording. You will be expected to start developing a gradually more individual approach as you explore studio production techniques both from a musical and technical perspective while adopting the respective roles of artist, engineer and producer.

Creative Sound Design

This module aims to provide a substantial practical overview of studio-based approaches to sound design and electronic composition. A broad and diverse approach will be taken, emphasizing, for example, the influences of dance music and film sound, academia, the avant-garde and the commercial music industry on the shaping of the contemporary studio composer, and you will be encouraged to reflect on these influences within a creative portfolio of works.

Year 3

Sound Production 3A (production portfolio)

The aim of the module is provide you with the opportunity to focus on creative studio technique and develop an integrated approach to the session end-product: a definitive master demonstrating a distinctive approach to recording and production.

Sound Production 3B (production portfolio)

The aim of the module is to provide you with continued opportunities to focus on creative studio technique and develop an integrated approach to the session end-product: a definitive master demonstrating a distinctive approach to recording and production. You will continue to explore the role of the producer (artist-, engineer-, composer-, arranger-producer) in the generation of multitrack recordings to a commercial standard, informed by an awareness of established, current and emerging global production styles.

Likely optional modules

Year 1

Music Technology and Culture

The module aims to provide you with an understanding of the historical and cultural context of various styles and genres within contemporary electronic music and sonic art. These will be considered by tracing the development of constituent sonic techniques and their relationship to current practices. In addition, recorded examples from each stage of development will be considered analytically in order to identify their salient characteristics and their relationship to other media and disciplines. The module will focus upon the artistic use of sound since 1900 and its origins and context within contemporary audio practice. You will also have the opportunity to explore intellectual concepts through practice-based research in the form of a series of short audio compositions developed throughout the course of the module.

Sound Structure

This module gives you grounding in the theories and practices used to analyse a range of audio examples and to enable you to become fluent in your ability to recognise the sonic characteristics of recordings and performances. You will be introduced to techniques used to analyse and document the development of sound in time, including spectral analysis, graphic representation and aspects of musical notation. The sonic characteristics of different materials will be explained, along with the basic principles of spectral morphology.

Music Industry Fundamentals

The aim of this module is to enable you to gain a broad understanding of the background, structure and organisation of the music industry and to give you a foundation for determining your own potential role within it. This includes the concepts of intellectual property and copyright, the development and production of recorded music and the marketing and distribution of finished product together with the requirements regarding performance and promotion. Also included is an examination of both the operation of major and independent record companies and DIY releases together with the marketing of music from both composers and performing artists. The module introduces you to the legal framework within which music is composed, performed, recorded and licensed through a consideration of copyright and publishing and of the industry bodies that exist to support, promote and protect the composition, performance and recorded rights owners.

Songwriting 1

This module aims to introduce you to songwriting as a process, encouraging the development of an individual style over the duration of your studies. In addition to informing you about well-established ‘traditional’ songwriting models and common structures, contemporary songwriting practices and considerations of arrangement, performance and production will also form part of the module.

Year 2

Music Enterprise

The aim of this module is for you to develop an understanding and appreciation of how music and the music industries, in various guises, can generate income. It considers the various elements that contribute to ensuring that composing, performing and recording rights are managed effectively and fairly and includes focuses on music publishing, entertainment law and copyright, performance and recording, venue and tour management and record label management.

Music in the Media 1

The aim of this module is to give you an introduction to the skills, approaches and insights needed to produce music for the media. You will develop the ability to compose music that enhances moving images and will learn to engage those stylistic conventions and techniques most commonly encountered in bespoke media music. You will develop those sequencing and arranging skills needed in the production of smaller-budget media music and will also be presented with opportunities to develop skills in sound design that may be used alongside or as an alternative to more traditional compositional skills.

Live Sound

This module provides coverage of the methods and processes undertaken when mixing audio for live performance band settings. Through addressing the principles of audio signal paths, processing and mixing for both audience and performers, you will explore the application of appropriate hardware in the live sound environment, supported by an overview of audio, technological and engineering discipline and theory. You will be introduced to criteria informing technical and aesthetic choices in the production of audio for live performance and opportunities will be available for the practical application of live sound skills within course performances.

Songwriting 2

Songwriting 2 builds on the work completed within Songwriting 1 through the study of more advanced and extended songwriting models, whilst encouraging you to develop their own distinctive ‘voice’ within your creative work. The application of technology within the compositional process will be explored as a means to extend beyond traditional songwriting models and you will also develop an awareness of music from other contemporary genres as a means to further expand the diversity of influence applied within their songs and arrangements.

Online Promotion and Website Design for Musicians

This module is designed to introduce you to methods by which music-based media can be promoted using online digital multimedia. Traditional, current and emergent media are reviewed as you explore graphic and visual representation of musical subject and style in the context of online promotion.

Independent Production Project 1

The aim of this module is to enable you to undertake a production project agreed with the tutor at the start of module. The outcomes of this research activity can cover a broad area and may include, for instance, a commercial studio album, live recordings, band collaboration, film/media scoring or creative audio experimentation.

Year 3

Studio Composition

This module aims to develop your ability to conceive and realize original compositions through creative use of the music production studio. You pursue individual areas of interest in technology-based music composition, devising creative ideas and the work of contemporary composers and producers in various genres is considered, with a particular emphasis on how methods of production (including studio process, collaboration, and relevant technologies) influence the creative output.

Film Music A

The module aims to give you an understanding of the process of writing music for film and you will be introduced to the development of the language of film music, film scoring techniques and to broader cultural and critical issues. The module covers a variety of composers working in the industry today with a focus upon the detail of influential works and practical exercises, extending further the creative and technical skills developed during level two of the course within modules such as Music in the Media and Songwriting 2.

Film Music B

Continuing from Film Music A, this module aims to develop your understanding of the language of film music, film-scoring techniques and the broader cultural and critical issues. You will develop composition, production, and software techniques and apply these skills to the creation of music for film. Practical exercises extend further the creative and technical skills developed during Film Music A and you will also be required to produce a show-reel of your work and supporting documentation, as if presenting to an agent or client.

Songwriting 3A

Songwriting 3A aims to provide you with the opportunity to extend and enhance a personal songwriting style whilst fostering an awareness of songwriting in a commercial context. In order to develop your practical, creative and technical skills in songwriting the module engages you with projects such as the completion of an e.p. (extended play). The emphasis of the module is upon encouraging and facilitating creativity and individuality whilst aiming to achieve a convincing level of competence in songwriting and arranging.

Songwriting 3B

Songwriting 3B aims to provide you with the opportunity to extend and enhance a personal songwriting style whilst fostering an awareness of songwriting in a commercial context. In order to develop your practical, creative and technical skills in songwriting, the module builds upon the work done in Songwriting 3A by engaging you with more substantial projects, such as the completion of an album. This module also requires you to present your songs in a live setting.

Music in the Media 2

The aim of this module is to develop skills related to the creation of music and sound for various forms of media. Concepts and practices introduced in Level 5 Music in the Media 1 are extended and applied to the creation of a body of work that reflects your individual areas of interest. You will develop composition, production, and software techniques and apply these skills to the creation of music for various forms of media. Through the use of industry briefs, you will develop the ability to work under time constraints, to specific creative guidelines.

Sound Art A

This module includes a strong emphasis on emergent forms of sound design, and alternative approaches to composition will be explored. You will be introduced to a range of skills, such as formulating project proposals and creating documentation, whilst new developments in Sound Art are discussed through a variety of lectures and practical demonstrations. You will also be encouraged to collaborate with visual media artists, such as photographers or web designers, in the creation of a mixed-media work.

Sound Art B

This module is designed to build upon knowledge developed in Sound Art A. You will be introduced to technical and artistic skills necessary to produce a large-scale non-linear installation work. Installation art and interactivity will be discussed through a variety of lectures and practical demonstrations. You will also be encouraged to collaborate with visual media artists, such as photographers, web designers or film-makers, in the creation of a mixed-media work.

Independent Production Project 2A

This module will enable you to undertake the research necessary to develop an extensive creative project in Independent Production Project 2B. The outcomes of this research activity can cover a broad area and may include, for instance, a commercial studio album, live recordings, band collaborations, film/media scoring or creative audio experimentation. Crucially, the work undertaken in this module should represent a significant development in your audio production technique, whatever the chosen genre.

Independent Production Project 2B

This module will enable you to develop an innovative and ambitious creative project based on research developed in Independent Production Project 2A. The final outcomes of this research activity can cover a broad area and may include, for instance, a commercial studio album, live recordings, band collaborations, film/media scoring or creative audio experimentation. Crucially, the work undertaken in this module should represent a significant technical development and aesthetic statement in your audio production method, whatever the chosen genre.

The Music Production course aims to prepare you as a creative practitioner in music production or commercial composition (as a songwriter, or for media, for instance). Graduates from our Commercial Music and Music Production programmes have, for example, gone on to work as freelance performers or producers, songwriters, web designers, live sound engineers and freelance instrumental and vocal tutors. Some graduates have elected to continue their education by progressing onto Masters’ degree qualifications and others have decided to train to teach in schools or further education.

Composition of the course

The Music Production course is taught in two semesters each year, separated by a two-week assessment period in January. You will take 60 credits (3 modules) in each teaching block.

In the first year of the Music Production course you will study four 20-credit core modules, in Sound Production 1A and 1B, Audio Sequencing and Recording, and Sampling and Creative Composition, alongside likely optional modules in either Music Technology and Culture or Sound Structure (semester 1), and Music Industry Fundamentals and Songwriting 1 (semester 2)

In the second year you will carry on modules in Sound Production in each semester and in Creative Sound Design (60 credits in total). The remaining 60 credits are chosen by you from a range of likely optional modules - you choose one of either Live Sound or Music Enterprise in semester one, and two from Music in the Media 1, Songwriting 2, Online Promotion, and Independent Production Project 1 in semester 2.

In the third year you will carry on with your core specialism in Sound Production (40 credits) and the remaining 80 credits are chosen by you from a range of likely options – you choose two from Independent Production Project 2A, Songwriting 3A, Film Music A, Sound Art A, Music in the Media 2 and Audio for games and interactive media in semester 1, and a further two from Independent Production Project 2B, Songwriting 3B, Film Music B, Sound Art B, Studio Composition and Music Business Futures in semester 2.

Academic input

The staff teaching on the Music Production course currently include Senior Lecturers and Associate Lecturers. All of the staff are practitioners and are active as producers, performers or composers, and researchers, for instance.

You will be assessed by a range of assessment methods including practical work (such as recordings, composition work – in the form of recordings or scores), written work (such as commentaries and essays), and presentations.

All applications will be considered on an individual basis according to qualifications, background and experience. Particular importance is placed upon knowledge and previous experience of music production/music technology.